While known for their hard rock party vibe, the band has chosen to take their music into a more serious tone with their last two offerings; Band of Brothers and Blood for Blood. This new direction for the band has made for some killer new music.

The night started with the new band Archer from Santa Cruz, California. Supporting their upcoming debut album, Culling the Week. Frontman Dylan Rose has a very Zakk Wylde-esque stage presence and was very energetic and interactive with the crowd. Bassist David De Silva has a very thunderous sound and harmonized really well with Dylan. Drummer Keyhan Moini thrashed on the drums and held it all together as the quickly filling venue got into the groove.

Archer bassist David De Silva photo: David Burke

Archer photo: David Burke

Archer photo: David Burke

Archer Guitarist Dylan Rose photo: David Burke

Archer guitarist Dylan Rose and bassist David De Silva photo: David Burke

Joseph with Hellyeah's bass tech photo: David Burke

Next up came New Zealand’s own Like a Storm, lead singerChris Brooks came out with a didgeridoo which captivated the audience as they took the audience over. I had not heard of this band yet but the crowd respond to them as if they were headlining the evening. They also performed a cover of Coolio’s “Gangsters Paradise” and AC/DC’s “TNT” complete with ChrisBrooks jumping into the crowd to sing and mosh with us. By now everyone was in full on rock mode.

Like a Storm bassist Kent Brooks photo: David Burke

Like a Storm's lead vocalist Chris Brooks photo: David Burke

Like a Storm's Chris Brooks photo: David Burke

Like a Storm photo:David Burke

New band Devour The Day hit the stage and opened with their set with “Respect” from their debut album Time and Pressure. Their sound is punchy and heavy, and their stage presence is in your face. A really good combination for a great live show and the crowd responded accordingly the pits got more aggressive.

Devour the Day photo: David Burke

Devour the Day drummer Ronnie Farris photo: David Burke

Devour the Day guitarist David Hoffman photo: David Burke

Devour the Day vocalist Blake Allison photo: David Burke

Devour the Day Bassist Joey Walser photo: David Burke

Hellyeah fans Kelly and Dan photo: David Burke

By now the crowd was primed and ready for Vinnie Paul and crew as Hellyeah opened the show with “ Hellyeah” and “Matter of Time”. The audience was in lead singer “Chad Grays” fist as he loomed over the audience and bumped fists with the audience.

Hellyeah photo: David Burke

Hellyeah's Chad Gray photo: David Burke

The next song “Sangre Por Sangre (Blood for Blood)“ had new bassist Kyle Sanders spit what appeared to be blood directly into Chad Grays face. As he was singing and screaming directly above me, his face was dripping onto me and my camera. For a split second I was concerned about getting my equipment damaged but that was immediately overridden by sheer excitement as this is why I love metal shows!

Hellyeah drummer Vinnie Paul photo: David Burke

Hellyeah's Tom maxwell photo: David Burke

Hellyeah's bassist Kyle Sanders photo: David Burke

Bassist Kyle Sanders was completely in his element as his massive dreads thrashed about the stage as if they had a life of their own. New guitarist Christian Brady appeared and performed like he was in the group since it’s inception. Guitarist Tom Maxwell riffed through the crowd and was clearly into his own zone as spit dripped from his mouth while he performed.

Hellyeah's Chad Gray photo: David Burke

Hellyeah's Tom Maxwell photo: David Burke

Hellyeah's Chad Gray photo: David Burke

Former drummer from the legendary band Pantera, Vinnie Paul was on point as his drum sound is extremely distinguishable and reminiscent of the Cowboys from Hell Days.

Hellyeah fans photo: David Burke

Hellyeah fans photo: David Burke

Hellyeah fans photo: David Burke

Hellyeah fans photo: David Burke

Hellyeah fans photo: David Burke

Hellyeah fans photo: David Burke

Hellyeah fans photo: David Burke

Very thankful for us all showing up and supporting live music Vinnie Paul and the boys did not disappoint. Right up to the last encore “Cowboy Way” Hellyeah’s live show is not one to be missed as it’s intensity was something you could feel.